Stuffed Chicken Breasts Italiano
Juicy stuffed chicken breasts filled with ricotta, olives, and herbs, baked in pasta sauce, topped with melted mozzarella—perfect for a hearty, flavorful Italian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Carefully slit a lengthwise pocket in each chicken breast, starting at the thick side, cutting approximately 3/4 of the way through the width of each breast.
- Season the inside and outside of each breast with salt and pepper.
- Combine ricotta cheese with chopped olives, parsley flakes, chopped onion, and garlic salt.
- Place approximately 1/4 cup of this filling into each chicken breast pocket.
- Arrange the stuffed breasts in a 9 x 13-inch baking pan and cover with pasta sauce of your choice.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 to 40 minutes or until cooked through.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top and return to the oven for 2 to 3 minutes or until cheese melts.
- Serve the stuffed chicken breasts over cooked fettucini.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding sun-dried tomatoes or spinach to the ricotta mixture. If you prefer lighter alternatives, use low-fat ricotta and mozzarella cheese. To ensure even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to a uniform thickness before stuffing. Pair with seasoned Italian bread for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stuffed chicken breasts over the cooked fettucini for a delicious presentation. A side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad complements this dish nicely. For an Italian-inspired meal, consider pairing with Easy Italian Lasagna or Marinated Spaghetti Salad for a delightful feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can dry out the chicken.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stuffed Chicken Breasts Italiano contains roughly 288 calories, with 9g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is a good source of protein (18% of the Daily Value), calcium (11% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2282mg per serving (99% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes, you can substitute ricotta with mascarpone or cottage cheese for a different texture. If you prefer a stronger flavor, consider adding cream cheese or goat cheese. Just ensure that the cheese you choose can be easily mixed with the other filling ingredients.
How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?
The best way to check if the chicken is done is to use a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the breast. Additionally, the juices should run clear when pierced, and the meat should no longer be pink inside.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts, place them in the baking dish with sauce, and cover them with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to allow extra baking time if cooking straight from the refrigerator.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).